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UPDATE: Man Charged with Murder in Downey Shootings

A 30-year-old man could face the death penalty after being charged with the murder of three people in Downey.

Police charged Harris for shooting two people at this Downey residence, as well as at a nearby business (Courtesy by ATVN.)
Police charged Harris for shooting two people at this Downey residence, as well as at a nearby business (Courtesy by ATVN.)
The man arrested for an Oct. 24 shooting spree in Downey was charged with three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder on Monday.

Jade Douglas Harris, 30, is set to appear in court for an arraignment on Nov.28.

Harris was also charged with three counts of kidnapping for carjacking, three counts of carjacking, two kidnapping counts and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, according to a statement form the Los Angeles District Attorney's office. 

Four of the five victims of the shootings were members of the same extended family. The Salinas family helped run United States Fire Protection, a small fire extinguisher business in Downey.

Police say that Harris entered United States Fire Protection around 8:45 a.m., in response to an internet advertisement for the sale of a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. When he discovered that the Camaro was not at the store, he became angry, said Martha Zerihi, a spokeswoman for the Salinas family. He then attempted to force Josamir Rojas, who was heading the sale of the car, to tie up two women at the store; when Rojas refused, the gunman fatally shot him.

According to Zerihi, he then shot and killed Irene Cardenas Reyes, 35, and wounded Maria Salinas, 52, by shooting her in the face.

Harris then allegedly kidnapped Susana Perez Ruelas, 34, and her 13-year-old son Antonio Salinas, Jr., forcing Perez Ruelas to drive them to a nearby home where the Camaro was located. Once they reached the house, he shot them both, killing Perez Ruelas and wounding her son in the arm.

According to Downey police, Harris then fled in the Camaro. He abandoned his own car at the scene, which helped police identify him as a suspect and arrest him for the crimes.

Harris was detained by police on Oct. 25 and since then has been held without bail.

If convicted, Harris would be eligible for for the death penalty. The LA District Attorney's Office will wait until the case is closer to trial to decide if they will seek the death penalty.

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